DEL MAR, CA — A certain sign that spring has arrived is the gathering of the West Coast’s finest equestrian athletes for the premier horse show, the Del Mar National.
Now in its 61st year, the National begins in Del Mar at the Fairgrounds on Thursday, April 20 and features Western horses and riders exhibiting and competing through Sunday, April 23. The marquee event, a showcase of equestrian talent, tricks, tributes and daring, is Night of the Horse, presented by Mary’s Tack and Feed, on Saturday, April 22. Among the many equestrian acts will be Vaulting, Roman Riding, equestrian drill teams and the featured act, Tommie Turvey and his amazing trick horse, Poker Joe.
Next, the subtle beauty of dressage is featured in the main arena, Thursday, April 27 through Sunday, April 30. Elite-level dressage will be showcased in the event’s featured evening, the Evening of Musical Freestyles, Saturday, April 29. These magnificent, highly trained animals will demonstrate their natural athletic ability and willingness to perform. Occasionally dressage is referred to as “Horse Ballet” and you won’t want to miss the refined beauty of this demonstration night.
The final week of the three-week event is Hunter-Jumper, May 2-7. Hundreds of talented riders from across the United States will compete in three arenas filled with jumps of all sizes and lengths.
Top riders will come together on Thursday, May 4 for the $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix, a qualifier to determine the 30 best horses and riders who will move on to the next level, the $100,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar, Saturday, May 6. This showcase night of Grand Prix-level show jumping is a spectacular crowd-pleaser with horses and riders competing over a route designed by international course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. Thirty of the top horses and riders show their stuff, with the horse and rider team timed the fastest, with the fewest faults making their way to the top of the list, and taking home the big prize money.
Don’t miss a moment of this exciting three-week event, with something interesting, educational, or just plain fun for everyone in your household. For more information call the Equestrian office at 858-792-4288, or log onto our website, www.delmarnational.com.
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